Starting sertraline today. What to expect?

[NoHeavenNoMore]

I have been prescribed sertraline after speaking to the GP about some extreme emotions I have during the second half of my cycle. I'm talking irrational anger/rage/mood swings. This has been happening for the last 6 months or so. I haven't always been this way.
A bit of context, I have had a really difficult and stressful year. I feel the antidepressant is probably what I need but I read the list of side effects and I'm worried about feeling worse. Can anyone share their experiences with me? Does it work for you? Haven't taken any yet.
Thanks in advance

Thanks for asking @TreeHuggerMum1. I still haven't started as I've got a terrible d&v bug. Kick me while I'm down, world!

@NoHeavenNoMore how are you OP? Did you give it a go yet? Hope you’ve managed to get a tiny bit into the Christmas spirit and are over the sickness!

@Squiggles23 thanks for checking in!Really appreciate it. Hope you're doing good?

Well, I haven't started the antidepressants. After a long conversation with a family member, I decided to try some more 'natural' remedies, as I was sure my mood swings etc due to hormones. They seemed to help in the build up to my last period, but the past couple of days I have felt my patience wearing thin with certain things/people.
On the whole I don't feel quite as hopeless as I did before. I wonder whether my body was lacking a certain vitamin or nutrient? Who knows but I'll just monitor progress and try to enjoy the festive period.

Glad you are feeling better @NoHeavenNoMore maybe see how you feel in the new year?
My DP started Sertraline last year, and it made the world of difference to his MH.
He had no side effects at all.

Thank you @andHelenknowsimmiserablenow (I love your username by the way!)

January is always tricky month to navigate. I tried RED January a few years back (just walking) and I think it really helped. I guess I know the right things to do but struggle getting over the hurdle x

I had this last year I was suicidal on them very quickly doctor took me off immediately tbh antidepressants really make me worse running Zumba walking for me helps but I have to do it a lot Hugs. We are all different try them thru maybe are good for u my friend was on these she is so much better now

Terrible tummy craps/nausea/loose stools for the first two weeks and felt totally "off".
Also... insomnia.
I went from 100mg to 200mg but it has made a difference to my mood.

I am persevering without, and beginning to feel the cloud lifting. I think Xmas break from work is helping, and seeing more of my family and friends. Someone other than my partner to talk to, which means I don't take everything out on him. I do love him to bits. I just don't always like him.

Period due in a couple of weeks so the coming days are the ones in which my mood generally changes. Sticking with the supplements and trying to move more.
Thanks for your kind words @Meme54

Starting sertraline- again. I feel so bad that I have to put my husband and kids through this again. Feeling defeated but I know it will work eventually. I'm on 25mg nearly a week now. Plan to go up to 50mg v soon. Looking for encouragement from other mums. Thanks so much

I'm a Dad - and just wanted to wish you luck. I'm on 25mg a day and it works well, after being on 50 for a couple of years. Take care and hope you feel better with it

Thanks very much. 50mg or 75mg both worked for me in the past so I'm just holding on to that. Had to explain to be little boys that I'll have to rest a good bit over the next few weeks. It breaks my heart but I suppose, things could be worse.

Hi all, I know this isn’t a sertraline support thread but I have just taken my first dose today and I’m really nervous about the side effects. I know I need the help as mentally I am on my knees but I have a 3 year old and a 9 month old and the thought of feeling rubbish for two weeks or so whilst the tablets kick in fills me with dread, especially as I’m running off not much sleep at the moment due to teething and colds. Im
hoping my side effects are pretty manageable. 🤞🏼🤞🏼

I’m about to restart. I have taken sertraline for years with breaks for pregnancy and breastfeeding. In my experience it takes about 2-3 weeks at most to get past the side effects (dizziness, feeling tired and foggy). Then it was completely life changing - I’ll be on it for life I expect. I felt clearer in my mind but also somehow softer and more mellow. It’s like I could suddenly see all my worries from an outside, objective, rational perspective rather than the horrible stressful massive things they were in my head.

Hi @Shefliesonherownwings

I didn't start mine in the end and am starting to feel better on the whole. I'm due on in a few days and can feel my mood worsening a little bit. Just wanted to say good luck to you and sorry I can't offer any advice x

Nausea
Constipation
Low sex drive/loss of sensation in the area

But probably the least bad of the many SSRIs I've tried. None of them were notably helpful for depression or anxiety, even at max dose, but this one had less side effects.